THE ALAMO (Santa Monica)

 

In an Italian-American section of Brooklyn sits a rundown local bar called The Alamo. The place is fighting to keeps its doors open and welcomes the arrival of young artists wanting to adopt the bar as an entertainment hangout. 

However, the aging customers, eight working-class neighbors, don’t want to surrender their bar, much less their neighborhood, to these neo-carpetbaggers. 

These are vivid characters who carry scars of the past - from Vietnam to 9/11 - and they are ready to fight for their place in the world.

Says director Kent Thompson, “I love this play, because Ian McRae writes with such passion, compassion, and humor, about a forgotten group of people - blue collar Americans!” 

At Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA through March 31. Tickets: 310-397-3244 or www.ruskingrouptheatre.com. Free parking.

Photos by Ed Krieger

Also in my column in the March issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY.

ANTONY & CLEOPATRA: THE MUSICAL (North Hollywood)

Shakespeare’s tragedy has it all: romance, passion, sex, heartbreak, the fascination of royalty, war, politics, the epic sweep of history and one of history’s most celebrated love stories... of Roman Mark Antony, and Cleopatra Queen of Egypt. 

Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton in the film "Cleopatra"

In case you missed the famous film, but remember one of Hollywood's most celebrated love stories, here’s a chance to enjoy the original stage version live. 

In one of her signature moves, director Gloria Gifford retains Shakespeare’s text while expanding the proceedings with a modern song score and a dazzling 35-member cast.

Executive produced by Gifford and produced by Jade Warner, Lauren Plaxco and Chad Doreck for Jamaica Moon Productions and The GGC Players. At Gray Studios, 5250 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, through March. Tickets: 310-366-5505 or www.tix.com.

Also in my column in the March issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY.